More bad news connected with the controversial chemical BPA (bisphenol-A) found in a variety of cans and plastics, including baby bottles. New research now suggests that it may be a contributing factor in developing a common type of brain cancer.

More bad news connected with the controversial chemical BPA (bisphenol-A) found in a variety of cans and plastics, including baby bottles. New research now suggests that it may be a contributing factor in developing a common type of brain cancer.

According to the study conducted at the Union Hospital in Wuhan, China and reported in Environmental Health News, individuals with the highest urine levels of BPA were 1.6 times more likely to develop a hormone related brain tumor called meningioma.

Researchers followed nearly 250 patients with the brain cancer and just as many with no history of cancer. While accounting for a variety of other risk factors, a notable association was present between the BPA concentrations in urine and the diagnosis of the tumors.

BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, which can affect a number of different functions in the body from reproductive health to maintaining an ideal body weight. Exposure to endocrine disruptors, particularly for unborn babies, has also been linked to behavioral and developmental issues that may be passed on for several generations. Research has also linked it with increased levels of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.

Several countries including Canada, France and China have banned or regulated BPA, which is commonly found in the lining of canned products, including sodas. Petitions to the FDA to ban BPA in the U.S. have been dismissed based on what the agency calls a lack of conclusive evidence that dangers exist, however, the agency has agreed to enforce the removal of BPA from infant formulas.

Despite the FDA's recent reluctance to ban BPA (bisphenol-A) in food packaging outright, citing a lack of conclusive evidence that the plastic polymer can cause serious human health issues, the agency may now agree to enforce a ban on the substance from use in baby food packaging.

Despite the FDA’s recent reluctance to ban BPA (bisphenol-A) in food packaging outright, citing a lack of conclusive evidence that the plastic polymer can cause serious human health issues, the agency may now agree to enforce a ban on the substance from use in baby food packaging.

Disappointed with the FDA’s refusal to acknowledge the health risks connected with BPA, Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey (D) narrowed the focus and petitioned the FDA back in March to remove regulatory approval of three items commonly made with BPA: canned foods, reusable household containers and baby and toddler food packaging. Markey noted that manufacturers have willfully “abandoned” the use of BPA in these products due to overwhelming customer concern, which points to an FDA policy that states the agency can remove approval for a substance if it has been abandoned. And that’s exactly what Markey suggested the agency should do.

The agency accepted Markey’s petition last week specifically on infant formula containers, but upheld its refusal on canned food and reusable containers.

Research has continued to surface in recent years identifying the risks associated with BPA exposure, and has led to bans in countries including Canada, France and China. But in light of the stacking evidence and the agency’s recent decision, the FDA continues to maintain its position that the risks have not been clearly identified, if they truly exist at all.

But studies show that repeated exposure to low levels of BPA could cause behavioral, neurological and reproductive issues, particularly the earlier the exposure happens—even in the womb.